I don't "think" this gives her a bye since there are 8 days between the end of Central Pacific Regionals and the start of Cup of Nice. Rachael recently switched clubs so she is now in Central Pacific Region. What Sylvia told me on another board was that generally there are byes when the events are within 7 days of each other. I suppose, though, that exception can be made. I think your guess is correct and it is a way for Rachael to earn the minimal TES scores.

Cup of Nice was mentioned by Alissa's coach Jason D. as being talked about. He didn't specify, as far as I remember, who was doing the talking - Alissa, USFSA, or ISU. Apparently Alissa isn't competing at Cup of Nice since she isn't listed. She must be competing at Eastern Great Lakes Regionals.

Is she taking a break from Stanford this semester? It would seem rather ambitious to go for both a comeback and continue her studies at the same time. But, best of luck to her.

I think it depends on her goal: if she wants to make it to the Olympics, she should definitely take a break, if she just wants to skate, try her best and nothing else (what she did during the last couple of seasons) she shouldn't...